Majority of Hindus still believe in amity: Dalai Lama

He says, religious tolerance not only means respecting all religions but also the people

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama today said India is a nation of non-violence and noted that a majority of the Hindus believes in peace and amity.

"India has a long tradition of peace and amity. The people of Bihar in the recent Assembly polls have proved that a large section of the Hindu community still believes in peace and amity," the 14th Dalai Lama said without naming any political party or leader.

"It is because of this amity that India is known worldwide as a country of religious tolerance. All religions and individuals are given equal respect here," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

"Religious tolerance not only means respecting all religions but also the people. Buddhism too started in this nation and because of this, India is the guru and all Buddhists are students," he said.

Asked about terrorism, the Tibetan spiritual leader said: "First we must create an atmosphere of peace and it should be initiated from one's own home. Encouraging religious tolerance is the need of the hour and should be done through schools and universities."

Speaking on climate change, the Dalai Lama said: "This is everyone's responsibility. We all need to work together and give primacy to it. The big nation gives main importance to its own profit while the issue of climate change comes way down its agenda.